Jessica
Welcome to WeLovePetz, your number one source for all things pets.
Introduction: The Cure for the “Boring Bowl”
We all want our dogs to be excited about mealtime, but many pet parents face a common dilemma: the food that is scientifically “best” for them is often the food they turn their noses up at. Standard brown kibble can be uninspiring, leading to picky eating habits and half-eaten bowls. On the flip side, mixing in wet food every day can become expensive and messy.
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend (Chicken & Rice) is designed specifically to bridge this gap. It combines the crunch of traditional kibble with tender, meaty shreds to create a texture variety that keeps dogs interested. But it isn’t just about taste; this formula is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with live probiotics and high-quality protein to support digestion and muscle health.
Is this the “holy grail” of dog food that balances palatability with veterinary-grade nutrition? We took a closer look at the ingredients and fed it to our own pack to see if the hype—and the price tag—is justified.
Key Features and Nutritional Breakdown
Purina Pro Plan is one of the most widely recommended brands by veterinarians, and the “Complete Essentials” line is their flagship for adult maintenance. Here is what makes this specific formula stand out.
The Shredded Blend Difference
The defining feature here is the texture. Most dry dog foods are uniform pellets. This formula mixes hard, crunchy kibble with softer, jerky-like shredded pieces. This variance in mouthfeel mimics a more natural eating experience and is highly effective for food-motivated dogs who get bored easily.
Real Chicken as the #1 Ingredient
Protein is the building block of your dog’s health. This recipe features real chicken as the first ingredient, ensuring a high-quality protein source (26% min) to support lean muscle mass. This is paired with rice, a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides the energy active dogs need without being heavy on the stomach.
Fortified with Live Probiotics
Many dog foods claim to support digestion, but Purina Pro Plan goes a step further by including guaranteed live probiotics (Bacillus coagulans). These beneficial bacteria are added after the cooking process to ensure they survive. They work to balance your dog’s gut microbiome, which is crucial for immune health and consistent stool quality.
Skin and Coat Support
If your dog has dry skin or a dull coat, this formula includes specific nutrients to help. It is fortified with Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids (derived from animal fat and sunflower oil). These nutrients nourish the skin from the inside out, promoting a shiny, lustrous coat.
Hands-On Review: Feeding Experience
We tested the 15 lb bag with a mixed household: a high-energy Golden Retriever and a picky Terrier mix. Here is our honest assessment of the feeding experience.
Palatability Test
The “Shredded Blend” texture was an immediate hit. The picky Terrier, who usually waits for a topper, dove right in, picking out the tender shredded pieces first before crunching on the kibble. The savory aroma is strong enough to entice appetite but not overpowering. For owners of fussy eaters, this texture variety is a game-changer.
Digestive Health
Transitioning dog foods can be risky for sensitive stomachs, but the switch to Pro Plan was surprisingly smooth. We noticed that within a week, stool consistency improved and gas was reduced. The combination of prebiotic fiber and live probiotics seems to do exactly what it claims—keep the digestive tract moving smoothly.
Coat Condition
After a month on this food, the Golden Retriever’s coat felt noticeably softer. The dryness that usually plagues him in the winter months was reduced, likely thanks to the Omega-6 fatty acids. While it won’t cure severe allergies, it certainly supports general skin health better than budget brands.
Packaging and Value
The 15 lb bag is a decent size for a medium dog, lasting about 3-4 weeks. The kibble stays fresh, and the shredded pieces don’t crumble into dust at the bottom of the bag, which is a common issue with other mixed-texture foods.
Pros and Cons
Is this the right food for your dog? Here is a transparent look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend.
| Pros (The Good Stuff) | Cons (Things to Consider) |
|---|---|
| High palatability due to mixed textures (shreds + kibble). | Contains corn, wheat, and soy (not for grain-intolerant dogs). |
| Guaranteed live probiotics for gut health and immunity. | Picky dogs might only eat the shreds and leave the kibble. |
| Real chicken is the #1 ingredient. | Price is higher than standard grocery store brands. |
| Excellent source of Omega-6 for skin and coat. | |
| Highly digestible rice and prebiotic fiber. |
Product Comparison
How does Purina Pro Plan stack up against its biggest rivals in the market?
| Feature | Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend (Our Pick) | Hill’s Science Diet Adult (Competitor) | Purina ONE SmartBlend (Budget Option) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | 🥩 Crunchy Kibble + Tender Shreds | 🦴 Uniform Crunchy Kibble | 🥩 Crunchy Kibble + Meaty Pieces |
| Primary Protein | 🍗 Real Chicken | 🍗 Chicken | 🍗 Chicken |
| Probiotics | ✅ Live Guaranteed (FortiFlora) | ❌ Prebiotic Fiber Only | ❌ No Live Probiotics |
| Price Tier | 💰💰💰 Premium | 💰💰💰 Premium | 💰💰 Mid-Range |
| Best For | ⭐ Picky Eaters & Gut Health | ⭐ General Health | ⭐ Budget-Conscious Owners |
Final Verdict
Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Shredded Blend is a standout choice for pet parents who want to provide veterinary-recommended nutrition without sacrificing taste. It effectively solves the problem of “healthy food that tastes boring” by incorporating a texture that dogs genuinely love.
If you have a dog with a robust digestive system who loves chicken, this is arguably one of the best maintenance foods available. The inclusion of live probiotics offers a tangible health benefit that sets it apart from many competitors. While it is not a grain-free formula, the high digestibility and nutritional balance make it a top-tier option for the vast majority of adult dogs.
